NAMA Could Boost Overflight Revenue with Infrastructure Upgrades
Industry experts in the aviation sector believe that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has the potential to increase its annual revenue from overflights to $1.5 billion by enhancing its airspace infrastructure. Improvements in radar and communication systems across Nigeria are considered essential to achieving this goal.
Understanding Overflights
In aviation terminology, overfliers refer to aircraft that traverse a country’s sovereign airspace without either departing from or landing within that nation. Currently, NAMA captures only about 50% of the potential $1.5 billion in projected annual revenue, primarily due to aging equipment that hampers comprehensive airspace coverage. While fees from overflights constitute a significant portion of NAMA’s revenue, the agency’s earnings fall significantly short of what is required to meet operational and personnel costs exceeding N43 billion annually.
Current Earnings and Fees
NAMA collects fees ranging from $75 to $195 per flight for regional and international overflights. These overflight, en-route, and terminal navigation charges comprise approximately 75% of the agency’s total income, while the remaining 25% is derived from the statutory Ticket Sales Charge (TSC).
Calls for Infrastructure Upgrades
During the 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) held in Lagos, stakeholders underscored the urgent need to modernize outdated communication systems and complete ongoing projects while also training personnel to operate modern equipment. Despite prior assurances from NAMA’s management, progress has been minimal, according to insiders.
Frustration Among Air Traffic Controllers
Edino Ilemona Amos, the President of NATCA, expressed exasperation at the lack of significant advancements in equipment despite numerous procurement announcements. He shared concerns that ongoing equipment failures could compel the association to consider withdrawing its services without a clear roadmap for reforming communication and surveillance systems.
Proposed Solutions for Enhanced Communication
To elevate communication standards within the airspace, stakeholders advocate for the implementation of new Very High Omnidirectional Radios Range (VHF) systems across 14 critical operational sites. The deployment of an Extended Very High Frequency (E-VHF) Radio System is also crucial for eliminating communication blind spots throughout Nigeria’s airspace.
Furthermore, the stakeholders have called for the installation of upgraded Voice Communication and Control Systems (VCCS) to ensure round-the-clock communication capabilities. Alongside this, NAMA and the federal government have indicated their intention to modernize the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) and revitalize the aging radar network.
Future Developments in Air Traffic Management
NAMA has taken significant steps over the last decade, focusing on the automation of Aeronautical Information Service (AIS), vital for smooth air navigation. Although there were earlier promises concerning the AIS completion, stakeholders expressed concerns regarding ongoing delays.
In response to the renewed demands from air traffic controllers, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, acknowledged the obsolescence of the TRACON system. He stated that President has approved plans for its overhaul, including the deployment of ADS-B as a backup surveillance system and the construction of a new NAMA headquarters and Air Traffic Management Centre in Abuja.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
Industry experts assert that, should essential equipment be provided, the Nigerian airspace could achieve a robust system for communication, navigation, and surveillance, thereby enabling NAMA to enhance its revenue streams, particularly from overflying aircraft.
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